GROWSPAN
™
ROUND COLD FRAMES
9
Revision date: 01.01.16
FRAME ASSEMBLY
Gather the parts:
• All rafter assemblies
• Pipe 1.315'' x 75'' swaged purlin (#131S075)
• Pipe 1.315'' x 73.5'' plain purlin (#131P0735)
• Struts (#QH1304)
• Cross connectors (#102548)
• 5/16" x 2-1/2" machine bolts and 5/16" nuts
• Lifts, ladders, and assistants as needed
Frame Assembly Procedure
1. Using the proper lifts and with assistance, carefully
stand the first end rafter assembly and place the leg
pipes into the first set of ground posts.
2. Align the top hole in the ground post with the hole in
the rafter and insert a 5/16" x 2-1/2" machine bolt with
the head to the outside of the shelter. Install the nut.
3. Place an inside rafter assembly into the second set
of ground posts and secure the rafters to the ground
posts as previously described.
4. Take one (1) swaged 75" purlin section and insert the
plain end through the upper clamp on the end rafter
and through the cross connector at the top of the inside
(or second) rafter as shown below.
5. Verify that both rafters are plumb and properly spaced
(4' on center).
6. Tighten the cross connector on the inside rafter and
tighten the end clamp on the end rafter to secure the
purlin pipe.
NOTE:
The purlin assembly consists of 1.315'' x 75''
(#131S075) swaged pipes and one (1) 1.315'' x 73.5''
(#131P0735) plain pipe.
7. Move to the lower clamp positions and repeat Steps 4
through 6 to install the purlin pipes in those locations.
8. Continue adding rafters and purlin pipes until the
frame is assembled. Secure all purlin splices using Tek
screws. See Step 10.
9. Finish the purlin using the plain, shorter pipe
(#131P0735). Attach it to the final end rafter to
complete the frame assembly.
NOTE:
If the last end rafter is plumb and the purlin
extends beyond the end of the rafter, cut the last
section of purlin pipe to the required length.
Typically purlin pipes
do not
require cutting.
Verify that
you have the correct plain pipe before you decide to cut
any pipe to complete the purlin.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the optional cover,
the ends of the purlin should extend no more than ½''
past the end clamp. The bolt side of the end clamps
must go toward the “inside'' of the shelter (the same
side as the purlin).
10. Once all rafters are set and the purlin is in place and
secured, return to each end clamp and cross connector
and install a Tek screw through each clamp and into the
rafter to secure the clamps.
11. Return to each rafter and, using Tek screws, secure the
joint between the lower rafter pipes and the upper rafter
pipes and continue with the following procedure.
Inside of
Shelter
Outside of
Shelter
Rafter
Ground
Post
IMPORTANT:
Brace
the first rafter in
position as needed to
keep it from moving.
Bracing is removed
after
additional
rafters are installed
and secured to the
other rafters.
To the
inside of
the shelter
1/2''
4'
center-to-center
